QUEEN OF KATWE: There were moments that had me laughing out loud, crying and then the unexpected that made drop my popcorn. I was captivated from the start.
QUEEN OF KATWE: Starring DAVID OYELOWO, LUPITA NYONG'O, and featuring the breakout talent MADINA NALWANGA
QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Ugand whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and as a result of the support she receives from her family and community is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion.
For 10-year old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother Harriet (Nyong'o) is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo) a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated.
This is the first film Lupita Nyong'o has made since winning the Academy Award for 12 Years a Slave.
"To have a film with people that look like me and Madina that they can watch and experience and be motivated by is really precious. Because the impossible can be possible.”
Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game.
Disney production QUEEN OF KATWE opens Friday, September 23, 2016 at select theaters. Its great for the whole family. You will fall in love with every character and you'll leave wanting to dust off that chess board.
Direct by Mira Nair
Produced by Lydia Dean Pilchar